You have a lot of choice when you look for a CPA in Birmingham, which helps and hurts: there are real options, and it's harder to tell people apart. This guide covers how to narrow the list. When you're ready to compare names, use our Birmingham accounting firms page or the list of individual CPAs in Birmingham.
Firm or solo CPA?
A solo CPA or small practice usually means you work with the same person every year, and that person signs your return. That suits most individual returns, rental property, and small businesses with straightforward books.
A multi-partner firm makes more sense when you need more than one service at once: monthly bookkeeping plus tax, payroll, multi-state filings, or an audit. Ask who will actually do your work. At larger firms, that's often a staff accountant reviewed by a partner, which is normal, but you should know it.
If what you really need is monthly bookkeeping, see Bookkeeper vs. CPA. Many businesses use a bookkeeper for the books and a CPA for the return.
If you need an audit or a review
Lenders, grantors, HOAs and some nonprofits ask for audited or reviewed financial statements. That's attest work. It's done by licensed CPA firms, not by bookkeepers or unlicensed preparers. Two checks before you engage a firm for it:
- Confirm the firm, not just the person, on the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy's licensee and firm search (opens in new tab).
- Ask whether the firm takes part in peer review, and look up its results on the AICPA's Peer Review Public File search (opens in new tab).
Then compare candidates on our Birmingham accounting firms page.
Look beyond the city limits
Many Birmingham-area CPAs list a suburb as their city. If you're open to a short drive, or to working by phone and secure upload, also browse Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Trussville and Pelham.
Five questions for the first call
- Are you a CPA, and what's your license number? Then check it (below).
- Who will prepare and sign my return? Paid preparers must sign the return and include their PTIN. The IRS warns about "ghost preparers" who don't (IRS (opens in new tab)).
- Do you handle Alabama returns like mine? Alabama has its own individual income tax return, and businesses may owe the business privilege tax. Retirement income is treated differently by account type (our guide).
- How do you price this? Ask for a range in writing. Our Alabama CPA cost guide explains what drives the fee.
- If the IRS or the Alabama Department of Revenue sends a letter, can you represent me? CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS (IRS (opens in new tab)). See CPA vs. Tax Preparer vs. Enrolled Agent.
Check the license in under a minute
Every CPA in this directory comes from state board records, but check the board yourself before money changes hands: search by name or license number on the state board's licensee search (opens in new tab), or use our license lookup. The step-by-step guide explains what each status means.
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and it doesn't recommend any particular CPA or firm. Confirm credentials yourself before you hire anyone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find an accounting firm in Birmingham, AL?
Start with this directory's Birmingham accounting firms page, which lists firms from Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy records, then shortlist two or three and ask each the same questions about who does the work, pricing and IRS representation. Confirm the firm on the state board's search before you sign an engagement letter.
What is the difference between a CPA and an accounting firm?
A CPA is an individual license; an accounting firm is a business that employs accountants, and a firm that offers attest work such as audits is licensed separately. A solo CPA can be a firm of one. The question that matters is who will actually do and sign your work.
Who can audit my company's financial statements in Alabama?
Audits and reviews are attest work done by licensed CPA firms. Check the firm on the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy's licensee and firm search, and ask whether it takes part in peer review; results are searchable on the AICPA's Peer Review Public File.
How do I check a Birmingham CPA's license?
Search their name or license number on the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy's free licensee search, or use this site's license lookup. It takes under a minute and costs nothing.
Do I have to hire a CPA in Birmingham itself?
No. Many Birmingham-area CPAs list suburbs such as Homewood, Hoover or Vestavia Hills as their city, and many work with clients by phone, video and secure upload, so you can widen the search beyond the city limits.